A screengrab from a Duluth harborcam shows the moment the 990-foot M/V American Spirit grounds just short of the breakwall on June 17, 2018.
Minnesota’s Duluth Harbor was briefly shut on Sunday after a large laker ran aground just short a breakwall.
The 990-foot M/V American Spirit was departing Duluth Harbor fully loaded with taconite when it grounded about 50-feet from the breakwall at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time while attempting to turn out of the harbor.
A time-lapse video made from footage from a harbor camera, which is posted below, shows the incident as it unfolded.
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the vessel floating free with rising water levels at about 10 p.m.
No injuries or pollution have been reported.
Afterward, American Spirit made its way under its own power to the Husky Fuel dock where the interior and exterior of the hull was examined.
A 500-yard safety zone established around the vessel was canceled when the vessel floated free.
The Duluth Ship Canal, Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, and Minnesota Slip Bridge are open and operating as normal.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Reports say heavy rain has made for treacherous currents in the area.
Incident Videos:
Another video filmed from nearby vessel shows just how close the vessel came to hitting the breakwall:
By Susanne Barton Sep 6, 2025 (Bloomberg) –Microsoft Corp. said Saturday it’s no longer detecting issues with its Azure cloud platform after multiple international cables in the Red Sea were cut. ...
COSCO Shipping Ports is facing "challenges" with its international investments amid pressures from the U.S. trade war, its managing director said in Hong Kong on Thursday.
In a recent Capital Link’s Trending News Webinar Series presentation, Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE: SB) President Dr. Loukas Barmparis outlined the company’s strategic approach to navigating the volatile dry bulk...
August 18, 2025
Total Views: 1519
Get The Industry’s Go-To News
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
— just like 107,166 professionals
Secure Your Spot
on the gCaptain Crew
Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news, delivered daily straight to your inbox
— trusted by our 107,166 members
Your Gateway to the Maritime World!
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.